Who Wants a Cookie? Celebrate National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day #NMVCCCDay #Recipe

Are you aware that today is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day?  Well, it is and I think that gives us all reason to celebrate with a cookie!  We were given bottle of Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract to bake up a delicious storm recently, in celebration of Chocolate Chip Cookie Day.  The kids and I decided that cookies are kind of a big deal, so it was time to go BIG or go home!  Here's what we did:

What?!  Yep, that cookie is the size of an entire cookie sheet.  And it was YUM!  Here's a copy of the recipe we used.  It should be noted that rather than spooning the cookies out one by one, we just pressed all the dough into the pan and baked for an additional few minutes until the top was golden brown, the scent of pure vanilla extract wafted through our home and those chocolate chips were lovely and gooey.  :)  I encourage you to do the same!

Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 ½ c. butter, softened
1 ¼ c. white sugar
1 ¼ c. brown sugar
1 T. Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract
2 eggs
4 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 ¾ tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1-12 oz. pkg. semisweet chocolate chips. (2 c.)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix butter, sugars, vanilla and eggs in large bowl. Stir in flour, soda, salt, baking powder and cream of tartar. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop with a #40 scoop (looks like a metal mini ice cream scoop) or a rounded measuring tablespoonful about 2 inches apart onto an ungreased insulated baking sheet. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until light brown. Cool slightly: remove from baking sheet. Cool on wire rack. Makes about 4 dozen crackly, chewy-crispy bakery-style cookies. They are wonderful!
*Recipe courtesy of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas and Renee Hartzler.


Now, GO and enjoy a Cookie!  Have a fabulous day!

 

ESET Smart Security 6 - Protecting Your Family Online #Review #ESETprotects

Back to School is in full swing and as a busy Mom of two kids, I'm now getting accustomed to having one child in school full-time. While my daughter is only in Kindergarten, both she and my son have taken a strong interest in technology and connected devices just like their Mom and Dad. I'm careful to limit their time on the computer, but even my little man has computer and tablet games that he likes to play from time to time. And now that my daughter is older, she's beginning to see the value in the vast (endless!) information available online. She loves to learn!  

All of this is well and good, but where does Online Security fit into the big picture?  As D gets older, she'll be doing school projects, there will be influence from friends telling her to check out certain websites, and of course there's the fact that kids are just naturally curious.  All of the supervision in the world won't protect kids from accidentally clicking a link that they shouldn't; And from that all sorts of issues can arise, from worms and viruses, to the obvious inappropriate content.  Yikes.  

ESET Smart Security 6 is the solution to your security online, whether you're using a PC, smartphone or Tablet, ESET Security 6 covers all of your bases to ensure that your family is 
protected.  

Parental Controls
Parental Controls are easy to use on ESET to ensure that your kids are safe to do their research or games online without coming across web content they shouldn't, and to keep your computer or device safe from threats.  I liked that I was able to set controls based on the ages of my kids, giving a list of categories and websites they are allowed to visit, as well as inputting specific websites that are completely off limits.   If Facebook or Twitter are off limits to your 13 year old, but your 15 year old are allowed to use them - no problem.  Set it up for each user and you're good to go.  Do check out these Top Tips To Keep Your Kids Safe Online.  A valuable resource with great advice, especially going into the school year.

Anti-Phishing
Phishing email messages, websites, and phone calls are designed to steal money. Cybercriminals can do this by installing malicious software on your computer or stealing personal information off of your computer.  Cybercriminals also use social engineering to convince you to install malicious software or hand over your personal information under false pretenses. They might email you, call you on the phone, or convince you to download something off of a website. 

As careful as most people are to avoid Phishing scams, it's all too easy to get caught up downloading a malicious file or giving information to the wrong person.  I am the kind of person who likes to enter contests, download music and just browse the net freely!  With ESET Security 6, I can feel free to do so.  

ESET Smart Security 6 is a PTPA Award Winner.  I can't recommend this product enough, and I encourage you to try it out for yourself!  Right now, for a limited time, if you order ESET Security 6 here, you will be entitled to a promo code (at checkout) for 15% off.  Whatcha waiting for?  Purchase ESET Smart Security 6 now!  

*Disclosure:  I have been selected as an ESET Brand Ambassador by PTPA Media Inc.  I have received compensation for this post, but all opinions are my own. 


 

Keep That Cute Li'l Bum Rash Free! Baby Butz #Review & Giveaway

  
I was recently given the opportunity to test out Baby Butz diaper rash cream on my son, L.  The day after L was born, he ended up with a terrible spotty rash all over his body - arms, legs, tummy and even his face and head!  On that day, I knew my little man had skin as sensitive as his big sister's.  As it turns out, his is worse.  He was later diagnosed with Eczema, which is so common in children.  I have to be so, so careful with what products I use on him, most often going for all natural ingredients and nothing scented.  Otherwise he'll get a rash, itchy flaky skin, etc.  Baby Butz fits the bill perfectly!  I use it often during diaper changes as a preventative measure.  L had a little bit of a red bum the other day, it was just the beginning of a rash but had I left it, I know it would have become much worse.  I used Baby Butz and by his next diaper change, the redness was gone.

About Baby Butz:

• Heals and Prevents Diaper Rash
• 100% All Natural Ingredients (Paraben Free, No Chemicals, No Alcohol, No Perfumes, Gluten Free)
• 100% Safe and Effective
• 100% Guaranteed
• Licensed Natural Health Product

What's more?  Baby Butz is a PTPA Award Winner!  That means it's a product that's been tested by other Moms, and it came out on top.  

Want to win a jar of Baby Butz?  Enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway




Good Luck!

My Little Pony: Equestria Girls DVD #Review and #Giveaway #Canada

My Little Pony Equestria Girls was released on DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo on August 6 in the US and Canada. The film had a very successful limited theater run this summer and has been garnering great reviews. In the film, Twilight Sparkle enters an alternate world in pursuit of her stolen crown. Transformed into a teenage girl, she must survive her biggest challenge- high school!

This was one review and giveaway opportunity I was quick to accept!  Little Miss D is a huge My Little Pony fan, and as an 80s kid myself I am totally OK with that.  We sat down to watch Equestria Girls the day it arrived, and it has fast become my 4 year old's favorite movie.  We love the fun characters, the humor and the great "magical" storyline.  Everything about this movie is entertaining.  I was a little bit worried about the whole "ponies turning into humans" thing as I thought it may take away from the positive messages that My Little Pony is generally known for.  However, I had nothing to worry about.  The positive vibe is as loud and clear as ever and this upbeat fun movie is one for kids of all ages.

Want to see for yourself?  Enter to WIN your very own copy of MY LITTLE PONY: EQUESTRIA GIRLS below.  Giveaway open to Residents of Canada.  Ends Aug.20th/13.

Good Luck!
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway  
 
 

One teen heartthrob, one children's entertainer... The question is #whoworeitbetter

I can't help but put these two faces together this morning.  After coming across this picture of Justin Bieber on one of my favourite celeb gossip sites, I immediately thought of DJ Lance Rock from one of my kids' favourite shows Yo Gabba Gabba!  ... The resemblance is uncanny, guys.  See for yourselves.  ;)

So, who do YOU think wore it better?  Hope this made you chuckle!  

Have a great Tuesday! 

Like a Ninja, They Don't Leave a Trace: #Winnipeg Bin Cleaning #Review

Welcome to Summertime. The birds are chirping, the kids are busy horsing around outside, and you're working up the motivation to go and hose out that disgusting, smelleriffic residential garbage bin that clearly needs to be sanitized. 

Fun times, no? 

Thankfully, Winnipeg Bin Cleaning has rolled into town just in time to save you from having to do this nasty job yourself. Whoot! That means more time to kick back with a fruity beverage and less time having to do your least favourite (well, my least favourite, anyway) Summertime chore. 

How it Works: 

Once your waste and recycling are picked up by the city, we come to your home with our
state-of-the-art wet steam cleaner. Your bins are then placed in an enclosed unit and exposed to a 3,500 psi, 250 degree Fahrenheit wet steam cleaning. Once cleaned, both inside and out, your bins are treated with an environmentally friendly, biodegradable deodorizer. Finally, your bins are placed where we found them and sealed shut with a Winnipeg Bin Cleaning sticker. 

Why it's Awesome:

Besides the obvious, Winnipeg Bin Cleaning takes care of a few important things that you're not able to do yourself.  After trying out the service myself, I can tell you that my garbage and recycling bins were MUCH cleaner than I'd have been able to get them, in a far shorter amount of time.  They were sanitized and scrubbed clean without any chemicals (like bleach) and with far less water waste.  That means I saved time, saved energy, saved water and did my part to help save the environment simply by having Winnipeg Bin Cleaning to a job for me that I seriously hate doing.  Awesome, indeed!  I can't say enough good things about this clever new local business. 

Want to check them out for yourself?  Visit www.WinnipegBinCleaning.ca for more information. 


 

Postpartum Depression - Resources for #Winnipeg Moms and Families

Yesterday morning, I sat down for my morning coffee, began to browse the news and almost immediately came across the most disturbing, heart wrenching story I had read in a very, very long time.  Throughout the day, I continued to check the local news sites for updates, talk with friends about what was happening, and read comments from (not always well meaning) strangers who had something to say about it.  While doing so, a recurring theme has been popping up that I can just no longer ignore.  I feel I need to say something.  Contrary to what so many have been implying, Postpartum Depression can happen to ANY Mom.  Yes, some women are at greater risk than others, yes it can happen to varying degrees depending on the person.  However, what people need to be aware of is that it does not necessarily speak to the character of the person suffering, nor does it mean she is a terrible Mother who does not love her children.  It means she needs help.  With that, I wanted to offer a list of resources if you suspect your Wife, your Sister, your Friend, or any Mom you know might need more than just a good cry and a glass of wine.  Recognize the signs, and please, please get help.    


Postpartum Depression - Resources for Winnipeg Families 

Visit the Postpartum Depression Association of Manitoba at http://www.ppdmanitoba.ca/ for resources and to get help. 

To find out more about PPD (Postpartum Depression) or PPP (Postpartum Psychosis) visit The Canadian Mental Health Association  or eMentalHealth - Post-Partum Depression

For information about the Mothers Program offered by the Winnipeg Clinic - For women dealing with any kind of Post Partum adjustment issues, including Postpartum Depression, call  947-2422 ext 113

To reach the WRHA Mobile Crisis Service - offering crisis assessment, intervention and consultation call (204) 940-1781

To speak with a Registered Nurse (24 hours) for information and guidance, call Health Links at (204) 788-8200

Family Dynamics
204-947-1401

Aulneau Renewal Centre
204-987-7090

Aurora Family Therapy Centre
204-786-9251

Women's Health Clinic
204-947-1517

Military Family Resource Centre *For military members and their families
204-833-2500 ext 4500

Let some good come of this horrendous tragedy - no matter what truly happened - and help spread some awareness about an illness that all too often goes unnoticed or ignored.   

#BackToSchool - $500 Children's Place Giveaway CAN/US

We're getting closer to Back To School and it's time to start thinking about how you plan to dress your kids for the school year. Many kids require a school uniform, and if that's the case for you, it might be time to start picking up the basics.   There are many options available at TheChildrensPlace.ca including everything from cute basic polos, to skirts for girls and sweater vests to chino pants for boys.  My little Kindergartener doesn't require a uniform, but I'm a firm believer in the school vs. weekend play clothes and like to keep things organized.  These styles are so cute and versatile, awesome school clothes, required or not!  I'll be picking up a few essentials soon for sure.  Have a look at some of what's available:

Girls Uniform Polo - $12.95

Boys Uniform Vest - $18.71

Boys Chino Pants - $14.96

Lucky for you, The Children's Place has come through with an incredible giveaway, for a $500 gift card!  It's simple to enter, so go ahead and try your luck!  It sure would be nice to have Back to School Clothes shopping covered, wouldn't it?  Giveaway open to residents of Canada and the US, ends July 30th at 10pm EST.

Entry-Form

Disclosure: This
giveaway has been sponsored by The Childrens Place and hosted by Kidsumers.
I have not been compensated and all opinions are my own.

#Winnipeg Splash Pad Hours & Locations 2013

Looking to get the kids outside, and stay cool at the same time?  Why not check out one of Winnipeg's super, duper fun Spray Pad locations?!  I've taken my kids to a couple of these, and they've had a wonderful time. 

Spray Pads are Open from 10am - 9pm DAILY 

Rules for Spray Pad Use:

Spray Pads are unsupervised

Spray pads do not have deep water but children must be closely supervised at all times and follow these rules:

• We recommend that children under 12 years of age be accompanied by a parent/guardian
• Footwear is strongly recommended
• Bicycles, skateboards, scooters and in-line skates are not permitted in the area
• Glass is not permitted
• No pets
• People with a communicable disease or having open sores shall not use the spray pad
• Do not drink from the spray feature

Winnipeg Spray Pad Locations & Washroom Availability:

Central Park Spray Pad	400 Cumberland Ave.	Available during wading pool hours only
Fort Rouge Spray Pad	295 River Ave.	None
Lindenwoods Spray Pad	414 Lindenwoods Drive W.	Available at Community Centre during regular operating hours only
Provencher Park Spray Pad	620 rue Langevin	Available at Provencher Outdoor Pool during regular operating hours only
River East Spray Pad	1400 Rothesay St.	Available at Peguis Trail Fitness Centre during regular operating hours only. ** For safety reasons - you must dry off and wear shoes prior to entering the facility.
River Heights Spray Pad	1370 Grosvenor Ave.	Available at Community Centre during regular operating hours only
St. James Assiniboia Centennial Pool Spray Pad	644 Parkdale St.	Available at St. James Assiniboia Centennial Pool during regular operating hours only
St. Norbert Spray Pad	3450 Pembina Hwy.	Available at Community Centre during regular operating hours only
Shaughnessy Spray Pad	75 Tyndall Ave.	Available during wading pool hours only
Transcona Centennial Spray Pad	1101 Wabasha St.	Available at Transcona Outdoor Pool during regular operating hours only
Vimy Ridge Memorial Park Spray Pad	821 Preston Ave.	Available during wading pool hours only
Westdale Spray Pad	550 Dale Blvd.	Available at Westdale Outdoor Pool during regular operating hours only

Stay cool and have fun!

Riding Mountain National Park - oTENTik - A #Manitoba Glamping Experience

I don't know how you feel about camping, but here are my thoughts on it... It's kind of dirty. It's a little bit uncomfortable. It's a lot of work.  However, it can be a lot of fun!  The only issue I have is that when my family and I want to do the camping thing, we sleep in a tent.  Which means with 2 kids under the age of 5 and a German Shepherd, we're crammed into a small space and little feet (and paws) are trampling all over where we sleep.  There's no way to avoid it.  I'm more of a 5 Star hotel kind of girl, but I do love the outdoors.  And my husband (who would happily sleep directly under the stars) does too.  That's why when I came across this:

I was excited.  They're just so adorable!  And tidy!  These oTENTik "tents" are available for rent at the Wasagaming campground in Riding Mountain National Park.  OK, so maybe it's not a hotel, but for $90/night ($70/night in the off season) I'm pretty sure the experience itself would be 5 Star.  Can't ask for more than that.  

Each oTENTik tent comes equipped with the following:

Inside each tent:

• Sleeping area for up to 6 people - three sleeping platforms with approximately 2 queen sized mattresses and 1 double mattress
• A table and seating for 6 people
• A wood stove
• A battery powered lamp is provided for your use and you may use your own flashlights (in keeping with a camping experience, the tents are not equipped with lighting or electricity)
• Fire extinguisher, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Broom and dustpan
• Please note: there is no plumbing or running water in the tents

On each campsite:

• Tent with front deck
• Fire pit
• Picnic table
• Propane BBQ and accessories
• Parking for a maximum of 2 vehicles

Nearby:

• A shared kitchen shelter
• Washroom with showers
• Water taps
• Firewood for purchase

YOU too can have the full-on Riding Mountain National Park oTENTik "glamping" experience.  Check out the parks website to book your stay now.

Have fun out there! 

 

Get Moving in the 'Peg with @FROGBOX #Winnipeg

Having just finished moving a family of 4 from a small-ish side by side to our wonderful new bungalow a few blocks over, I can tell you that there are a few things moving is generally NOT:

1.  It's not fun.  Especially when there are kids involved.  Just sayin'.
2.  It's not a quick and easy process.
3.  It's not cheap, particularly if you hire a moving company to do it all.  
4.  It's definitely not an environmentally friendly process.

Thankfully, FROGBOX is now in Winnipeg.  And how I wish - oh I wish so badly - I had known this when we moved our things!  Between acquiring boxes, assembling them, tracking down roll upon roll of packing tape and packing paper and other packing supplies... I was beyond frustrated.  And I can't even begin to tell you how much junk I threw away after we were finished.  Sad for the environment, and sad for me too. 

FROGBOX takes care of so many of the moving woes for you!  With their amazing, eco-friendly plastic moving boxes, you've got so much less to worry about.  Rent what you need, pop open your boxes and fill them up, move them on over, unpack and send your boxes back.  Done!  At FROGBOX you can rent boxes, wardrobe boxes, moving dollies, and you can even find recycled packing paper to cushion your breakable items.  It's an affordable, and easy way to get things done, whether you're moving a few short blocks away, or clear across the country.  

If you're in Winnipeg, get $10/off your order when you place your order online!  Like FROGBOX on Facebook and Twitter now to stay in the loop on deals and promos in your city.


 

Getting my Breakfast On with Fibre 1 Cereal #Fibre1ACD

Everyone who knows me knows that I generally don't do the breakfast thing.  I get up in the morning, make a pot of coffee and, often before I take my first sip, my daycare kids begin to arrive.  And then things get crazy around here.  So finding the time to sit down to my first meal of the day often doesn't happen until 1pm when the kiddos go down for a nap!  Talk about unhealthy eating habits!

Thankfully, Mom Central Canada introduced me to Fibre 1 Almond & Cluster Delight cereal.  I have to admit, I really enjoy this cereal!  It's a fast, easy breakfast that I can eat as my kids are arriving and not have to worry about anything getting cold.  I tried mine with fresh strawberries and bananas on top, which was such a... Delight!  It's great to know that I can get 40% of my daily fibre in just one serving.  It's such an important thing, and not something that everyone thinks about when making breakfast choices.  It's also worth noting that it kept me from digging into the kiddo's animal crackers throughout the morning, as I was good and full!  

The sweet (and tasty) news is that if you check out Save.ca TODAY you might be able to get your hands on a FREE box of Fibre 1!  Check out the Save.ca Coupons now to get yours! 


  


Disclosure – I am participating in the Fibre 1 Almond & Cluster Delight Cereal blogger campaign by Mom Central Canada on behalf of General Mills. I received compensation as a thank you for participating and for sharing my honest opinion. The opinions on this blog are my own.